D’Onta Foreman

The Steelers should be considering drafting a running back in this upcoming draft, and most think it will be a power back. Pittsburgh met with a few at the NFL Combine, including D’Onta Foreman.

D’Onta Foreman #33

6’0″, 233bs

Junior

What’s to like: When getting wrapped up or tackled, keeps his feet churning to gain as many yards as possible. Has good vision, knows when to bounce out a run. Hits open gaps hard with a powerful burst, will squeeze into narrow gaps and push his way through. Has surprisingly good long speed for how big he is. Has some finesse to his runs, not just all power in his game. Due to his size and power, arm tacklers won’t be taking him down.

Concerns: Frightening ball security issues with seven total fumbles and he lost six of them. Ton of miles on this semi, 323 carries over an 11 game span (51 in week 10). Tries to be shifty when he needs to use his power. Not much receiving experience, only 7 receptions in 2016. Pass blocking technique needs refinement, doesn’t have a sturdy base and tends to get knocked back. Also with pass protection, he sticks out his arms and waits for the defender instead of engaging him with aggression. Foot injury kept him out of the NFL Combine.

Verdict: Big body type power back who is best between the tackles. Due to his lack of receptions and needed refinement in the pass blocking department, he’s not the best 3rd down back. I see Foreman as a 2-down back who stays in on 3rd downs when short yards are needed. Needs coached up to take on defenders better while pass blocking. A very productive workhorse in 2016, but fumbling issues are a huge turn off. If that is not corrected, that alone can get you phased out of the NFL quickly.

The National Football League Combine is now totally underway in Indianapolis where top college prospects are being poked, prodded, measured and evaluated as if they were aliens from outer space. I simply call the whole event “Football in Your Underpants” because the stuff they make these poor guys squeeze into now for on-field work is downright embarrassing. More on what the Steelers are up to in Indy below.

In case you missed the SCB Podcast last evening it’s right here for your listening enjoyment. We discussed the tagging of Le’Veon Bell and his future in terms of a long-term deal… Antonio Brown’s contract and why it doesn’t mean what many Steelers’ fans think… Draft prospects from Pitt, James Conner and Nathan Peterman… and more.

We are hearing that the Steelers and Lawrence Timmons have been in contact again over a new deal. My guess is that the two sides are still a couple of million apart.

The Steelers placed a low-round restricted tender on offensive tackle Chris Hubbard. They own his rights for $1.8 million but he can negotiate with other teams and the Steelers can match. As solid as Hubbard was as the “extra tackle” last season, the Steelers really need to have that job manned by a tight end. Having a receiving threat there is crucial for obvious reasons.

Tweet of the Day… Shout out to the amazing @SportsMel who wished Big Ben Happy Birthday yesterday. If you like sweets, Mel is your gal!

So far at the Combine the Steelers have met (or will meet) with the following players: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson… D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas… Michael Roberts, TE, Toledo. Obviously there will be more to come.

It’s been public knowledge for quite some time but Le’Veon Bell is mentoring Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey. Not sure what ‘mentoring’ means in this case but let’s hope it’s all for the best.